Major charges target heavy vehicle operators

10 May 2012

Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) Director Customer and Compliance Peter Wells today announced RMS had laid major charges against four transport operators identified in recent heavy vehicle operations around the state.

Mr Wells said this was the first round of charges relating to non-compliant speed limiters and chain of responsibility speeding offences from recent heavy vehicle speeding operations.

“Where a heavy vehicle driver is detected exceeding 115 kilometres an hour, further investigations will be carried out into the speed limiter compliance of the vehicle.

"Investigators are also reviewing evidence which may lead to charges against others in the chain of responsibility who have a duty to prevent these offences from occurring, namely consignors and consignees.

"These investigations could result in more charges being laid in the near future.

"RMS has welcomed support it received from the road transport industry since the NSW Police and RMS joint heavy vehicle compliance operations started.

“Messages of support from heavy vehicle owners, operators and drivers show they were keen to see the end of rogue operators damaging the reputation of a mostly compliant industry.

“It’s encouraging when industry members contact us to let us know they are right behind the compliance operations.

“RMS has always maintained the majority of the industry operates safely and follows the rules, which is reflected in the positive feedback about our efforts to identify the law breakers,” Mr Wells said.

“NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner John Hartley said 81 people died in crashes involving heavy vehicles on NSW roads in 2011.

“NSW Police and RMS will continue to work together to combat the dangers of speed, fatigue and non-compliance within the industry to help ensure this number isn’t repeated,” Mr Hartley said.

“I again call on all heavy vehicle owners – if you have illegally modified your truck or bus to be able to speed beyond 100kmh, you should immediately return it to manufacturer specifications.

"Those doing the wrong thing should be in no doubt about the consequences for them if they tamper with speed limiters and irresponsibly risk innocent lives.”